White and Black Skin Cancer – Effective Therapies with Additional Qualification in “Medication-Based Tumor Therapy”

We stand by your side with expertise for every skin condition

Attending Doctors

Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Catherine Krause
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics
Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Bianca Arsene
Specialist in Dermatology
Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Eva Schramm
Specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Laser Medicine
Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Carina Borkowski
Specialist in Dermatology, Phlebology, and Laser Medicine
Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Annika Opitz
Specialist in Dermatology and Allergology
Team der Hautärztinnen Dr. Anna Brandenburg in Hamburg – Dermatologische Privatpraxis für Hautgesundheit und Ästhetik.
Dr. med. Anna Brandenburg
Specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology

White and Black Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Germany, with approximately 191,000 new cases each year — and the number continues to rise. White skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) is more common, with around 170,000 new cases annually, while about 21,200 new cases of black skin cancer are recorded each year. Together with you, I ensure that an effective therapy is initiated as quickly as possible. In the event of a diagnosis, I also provide reliable follow-up examinations.


In addition to skin type and individual genetic predisposition, sun exposure has a decisive influence on the development of skin cancer. Degeneration of white blood cells (lymphocytes) can also manifest on the skin. The most common form of these cutaneous lymphomas is so-called mycosis fungoides. Rarer skin tumors include malignancies of blood vessels, connective tissue cells, Merkel cells, and skin appendages. Dr. Anna Brandenburg obtained the additional qualification in “Medication-Based Tumor Therapy” at Charité Berlin and can provide you with competent and compassionate consultation on white and black skin cancer.

Weißer und schwarzer Hautkrebs

Your questions, our answers

What distinguishes black from white skin cancer?

Black skin cancer develops from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), while white skin cancer originates from keratinocytes.
Black skin cancer is more dangerous because, if not detected in time, it is more likely to metastasize than white skin cancer. That is why skin cancer screenings are so important: the earlier we detect the disease, the lower the health risk. During regular check-ups, we can identify very early stages, which — when treated appropriately — are usually not dangerous.
Actinic keratoses refer to UV-induced damage to skin cells that, if left untreated, can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (white skin cancer) in 10–15% of all cases. Risk factors include fair skin type, frequent sunburns, and regular tanning bed use. As potential precursors of white skin cancer, actinic keratoses can often be treated with creams. An effective treatment option is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Ablative procedures using a laser or curette are also possible. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are usually treated surgically.
We apply a cream containing aminolevulinic acid to the affected area. This substance is primarily absorbed by light-damaged cells, where it is converted into the photosensitizing compound protoporphyrin. When exposed to UV light — either daylight (Daylight-PDT) or via a UV lamp — free oxygen radicals are generated. This intentionally induced “inflammatory process” destroys the damaged cells. PDT is excellent for treating so-called field cancerization, as it also targets subclinical, not yet visible lesions. When we use a fractional erbium laser beforehand, the skin can absorb the active substances even more effectively.
Melanomas and their precursors should always be surgically removed. In some cases, a second excision with a safety margin is required. In advanced stages, additional examinations (ultrasound, X-ray) and therapies are necessary.
We strongly recommend that patients with black or white skin cancer come for preventive examinations every six months.
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